Check your furnace, fireplace to help prevent tragedies

The recommendation is to take a little time and do some checking before turning up the thermostat or lighting the first log. "Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are a huge problem," Crawley said. Birds build nests during the summer or creosote often builds up from the season before. A chimney sweep is a good investment. "There are several in the area with a lot of experience," Crawley said. "Many of them have gone to special schools and are certified." For Tim McAvene, who has been sweeping chimneys for 18 years, this is the busy season. "Starting now through first weeks in January," McAvene said. "Most people are pretty conscientious," about safety maintenance. So they call McAvene or others to get the nest out -- "Raccoons are the worst," McAvene said -- and to scour out the creosote.

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'Berlin': Rotating Fireplace of Glass and Steel

Imagine this rotating fireplace sitting between your living room and kitchen, where you can just spin it around as you move from room to room, taking its heat and warm glow with you. The fireplace, dubbed "Berlin," revolves 360 degrees with the flick of a wrist. It has polished glass shelves up top next to its chimney and a glass base to keep those sparks from burning down the house. Nice way to keep warm on those upcoming cold winter nights, but it must be a bitch to install. – Charlie White Berlin (translated from German) [Max Blank, via BornRich]

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‘Tis the season to think about fireplace safety

With the evenings getting cooler its about time to start up the fireplaces and woodstoves, but there are some safety issues to consider first. Last winters build up of soot in the chimney, the summers deposits of pine needles on the roof, and the storage of firewood and ashes all need to be considered before starting a fire in the fireplace or in the woodstove. Local fire departments respond to fires started by wood-burning appliances every year, said Gene Welch, the public safety and information officer for the Truckee Fire Protection District. Its a seasonal issue. We can get several a week, Welch said. They start about now and go until the spring. Over the summer, pine needles have accumulated on roofs, on decks and around the home and need to be dealt with, Welch said.

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Chimney and Fireplace Safety: Facts You Need to Know to Protect ...

A clear and concise description of carbon monoxide, its effects and dangers. Informative information about carbon monoxide in the home and steps to take to ensure you and your family are protected. (PRWEB) August 5, 2006 -- The dog days of summer are time to be wary of emissions from barbecues, gas grilles and the dangers of exhaust from water craft. It is also time to prepare for the cooler months soon to be upon us by inspecting home appliances, chimneys , exhaust flues and the like.

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Table Top Fireplace

The Table Top Fireplace is a miniature oil-burning fireplace that looks like a work of art but doubles as a light source, giving it a degree of functionality that most other fireplaces lack. It measures only 10"x14" and is made of stainless steel "logs" on a slate base. Use it as an accent in an office or take it outside when entertaining as a substitute for a firepit. Price: $340.

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